[0001] This invention relates to an active layer insert for an ophthalmic device formed
from multiple functional layers. The layers may be stacked, as well as, in some examples,
various designs for rings and ring segments that comprise the functional layers.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Traditionally an ophthalmic device, such as a contact lens, an intraocular lens or
a punctal plug included a biocompatible device with a corrective, cosmetic or therapeutic
quality. A contact lens, for example, can provide one or more of: vision correcting
functionality; cosmetic enhancement; and therapeutic effects. Each function is provided
by a physical characteristic of the lens. A design incorporating a refractive quality
into a lens can provide a vision corrective function. A pigment incorporated into
the lens can provide a cosmetic enhancement. An active agent incorporated into a lens
can provide a therapeutic functionality. Such physical characteristics are accomplished
without the lens entering into an energized state. A punctal plug has traditionally
been a passive device.
[0003] More recently, it has been theorized that active components may be incorporated into
a contact lens. Some components can include semiconductor devices. Some examples have
shown semiconductor devices embedded in a contact lens placed upon animal eyes. It
has also been described how the active components may be energized and activated in
numerous manners within the lens structure itself. The topology and size of the space
defined by the lens structure creates a novel and challenging environment for the
definition of various functionalities. Generally, such disclosures have included discrete
devices. However, the size and power requirements for available discrete devices are
not necessarily conducive for inclusion in a device to be worn on a human eye.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to a first aspect of the preset invention there is provided an active lens
insert for an ophthalmic lens. The lens comprising: arcuate shape ring segments assembled
into substrate layers with one or both of electrical and logical functionality; wherein
the size, shape and stacking structure of each of the annular shaped substrate layers
is based on the thickness around an optical zone of the ophthalmic lens; electrical
interconnections between substrate layers; and wherein the active lens insert is encapsulated
with one or more materials that may be bonded within the body material of a molded
ophthalmic lens.
[0005] The substrate functional layers may be adhered to insulating layers forming a stacked
feature.
[0006] The arcuate shaped ring segments may be cut from a wafer.
[0007] One or more of the arcuate shaped ring segment(s) may have one or both tapered ends.
[0008] The arcuate ring segments may comprise arc matched sections.
[0009] The two or more arcuate ring segments may form a full ring.
[0010] The design of the arcuate ring segments may be based on factors comprising wafer
optimization.
[0011] The design of the arcuate ring segments may be further based on surface area maximization
of the ring within the active lens insert.
[0012] The arcuate ring segments may be non-arc matched segments.
[0013] The arcuate ring segments may comprise both arc matched segments and non-arc matched
segments.
[0014] The substrate functional layers may include both said assembled ring substrate layers
from the arcuate shape ring segments and intact full ring segments.
[0015] The intact full ring substrate layer may comprise a metallic layer which functions
as an antenna.
[0016] The size, shape and stacking structure of each of the annular shaped substrate layers
may be further based on the base curve of an ophthalmic lens.
[0017] The size, shape and stacking structure of each of the annular shaped substrate layers
may be further influenced by the diameter of an ophthalmic lens.
[0018] The size, shape and stacking structure of each of the annular shaped substrate layers
may be further influenced by encapsulation parameters of the active lens insert.
[0019] The substrate layers may comprise silicon based wafer layers.
[0020] The substrate layers may comprise ceramic based wafer layers.
[0021] The substrate layers may comprise Kapton based wafer layers.
[0022] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provide a method of forming
an active lens insert for an ophthalmic lens, the method comprising: forming arcuate
shape ring segments; assembling said arcuate shape ring segments into ring substrate
layers with one or both of electrical and logical Functionality; wherein the size,
shape and stacking structure of each of the annular shaped substrate layers is based
on the thickness around an optical zone of the ophthalmic lens; forming electrical
interconnections between substrate layers; and encapsulating the active lens insert
with one or more materials that may be bonded within the body material of a molded
ophthalmic lens.
[0023] The method may additionally comprising adhering the substrate functional layers to
insulating layers forming a stacked feature.
[0024] The arcuate shaped ring segments may be cut from a wafer.
[0025] One or more of the arcuate shaped ring segment(s) may have one or both tapered ends.
[0026] The arcuate ring segments may comprise arc matched segments.
[0027] Two or more arcuate ring segments may form a full ring.
[0028] The design of the arcuate ring segments may be based on factors comprising wafer
optimization.
[0029] The design of the arcuate ring segments may be further based on surface area maximization
of the ring within the active lens insert.
[0030] The arcuate ring sections may be non-arc matched segments.
[0031] The arcuate ring segments may comprise both arc matched sections and non-arc matched
segments.
[0032] The substrate functional layers may include both said assembled ring substrate layers
from the arcuate shape ring sections and intact full ring sections.
[0033] The intact full ring substrate layer may comprise a metallic layer which functions
as an antenna.
[0034] The size, shape and stacking structure of each of the annular shaped substrate layers
may be further based on the base curve of an ophthalmic lens.
[0035] The size, shape and stacking structure of each of the annular shaped substrate layers
may be further based on the diameter of an ophthalmic lens.
[0036] The size, shape and stacking structure of each of the annular shaped substrate layers
may be further based on the encapsulation parameters of the active lens insert.
[0037] The substrate layers may comprise silicon based wafer layers.
[0038] The substrate layers may comprise ceramic based wafer layers.
[0039] The substrate layers may comprise Kapton based wafer layers.
[0040] Accordingly, the present invention relates to an active layer insert that may be
energized and incorporated into an ophthalmic device. The insert can be formed of
multiple layers which may have unique functionality for each layer; or alternatively
mixed functionality but in multiple layers. The layers may have layers dedicated to
the energization of the product or the activation of the product or for control of
functional components within the lens body.
[0041] The functionalized layer insert may contain a layer in an energized state which is
capable of powering a component capable of drawing a current. Components may include,
for example, one or more of: a variable optic lens element, and a semiconductor device,
which may either be located in the stacked layer insert or otherwise connected to
it. Some examples can also include a cast molded silicone hydrogel contact lens with
a rigid or formable insert of stacked functionalized layers contained within the ophthalmic
lens in a biocompatible fashion.
[0042] Accordingly, a disclosure of an ophthalmic lens layer insert comprising stacked functionalized
layer portion designs, as well as various designs for rings and ring segments that
comprise the functional layers is provided. The layer insert may include substrate
layers that are intact full rings, segmented rings or a combination of both. Furthermore,
segmented rings may include Arc-Matched and Non Arc-Matched arcuate segments.
[0043] An insert may be formed from multiple layers in various manners and placed in proximity
to one, or both of, a first mold part and a second mold part. A reactive monomer mix
is placed between the first mold part and the second mold part. The first mold part
is positioned proximate to the second mold part thereby forming a lens cavity with
the energized substrate insert and at least some of the reactive monomer mix in the
lens cavity; the reactive monomer mix is exposed to actinic radiation to form an ophthalmic
lens. Lenses may be formed via the control of actinic radiation to which the reactive
monomer mixture is exposed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044]
FIG. 1 illustrates a three dimensional representation of an insert formed of stacked
functional layers which is incorporated within an ophthalmic lens mold part.
FIG. 2 illustrates two cross-sectional representations of inserts formed of stacked
functional layers incorporated within two different shaped ophthalmic lenses.
FIG. 3 illustrates two cross-sectional representations of inserts formed of stacked
functional layers incorporated within ophthalmic lenses with different encapsulation
parameters.
FIG. 4 illustrates two cross-sectional representations of inserts formed of stacked
functional layers with different layer thicknesses incorporated within ophthalmic
lenses.
FIG. 5 illustrates a top down view of a one-quarter arc ring segment created with
different inner and outer radii, as well as nesting of ring segments and a full ring
composed of ring segments.
FIG. 6 illustrates a top down view of a one-quarter arc ring segment created with
matching inner and outer radii, as well as nesting of ring segments and a full ring
composed of ring segments.
FIG. 7 illustrates a top down view of a one-quarter arc ring segment created with
partial matching of inner and outer radii, as well as nesting of ring segments and
a full ring composed of ring segments.
FIG. 8 illustrates a top down view of various ring segment shapes from Figs. 5-7 for
comparison purposes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] The present invention relates to a substrate insert device formed through the stacking
of multiple functionalized layers. Additionally the present invention relates to various
designs for a wafer including rings and ring segments that may be used to make up
functionalized layers in a functional layer insert, for incorporation into an ophthalmic
lens.
[0046] In the following sections detailed descriptions of embodiments of the invention will
be given. The description of both preferred and alternative embodiments are examples
only, and it is understood that to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications
and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that said examples
do not limit the scope of the underlying invention.
Glossary
[0047] In this description and claims directed to the presented invention, various terms
may be used for which the following definitions will apply:
[0048] Active Lens Insert: as used herein refers to an electronic or electromechanical device
with controls based upon logic circuits.
[0049] Arc-matched (or arc matching): as used herein refers to the design of a Ring Segment
which includes an identical External Radius and Internal Radius, such that the curvature
of the External Arc matches the curvature of the Internal Arc. Arc matching is used
to efficiently nest Ring Segments on a Wafer, maximizing wafer utilization.
[0050] Dicing Street Width: as used herein refers to the width of a thin non-functional
space between integrated circuits on a Wafer, where a saw or other device or method
can safely cut the Wafer into individual Die without damaging the circuits.
[0051] Die: as used herein refers to a block of semiconducting material, on which a given
functional circuit is fabricated. Die are created on and cut from a Wafer.
[0052] Energized: as used herein refers to the state of being able to supply electrical
current to or to have electrical energy stored within.
[0053] Energy: as used herein refers to the capacity of a physical system to do work. Many
uses herein may relate to the said capacity being able to perform electrical actions
in doing work.
[0054] Energy Source: as used herein refers to device capable of supplying Energy or placing
a biomedical device in an Energized state.
[0055] External Arc: as used herein refers to the external or convex edge of a Ring Segment,
which is a portion of the circumference of the circle defined by the External Radius.
[0056] External Radius: as used herein refers to the radius of the circle that defines the
external edge of a Full Ring or Ring Segment. The External Radius determines the curvature
of the External Arc.
[0057] Full Ring: as used herein refers to one complete ring-shaped layer in a Functionalized
Layer Insert. A Full Ring may be comprised of multiple Ring Segments or may be one
Intact Ring.
[0058] Functionalized: as used herein refers to making a layer or device able to perform
a function including for example, energization, activation, or control.
[0059] Functionalized Layer Insert: as used herein refers to an insert for an ophthalmic
device formed from multiple functional layers which are stacked. The multiple layers
may have unique functionality for each layer; or alternatively mixed functionality
but in multiple layers. In some examples, the layers can be assembled into rings.
[0060] Intact Ring: as used herein refers to one complete ring-shaped layer in a Functionalized
Layer Insert which is made of a single intact Die.
[0061] Internal Arc: as used herein refers to the internal or concave edge of a Ring Segment.
The Internal Arc may be a single arc segment, the curvature of which is determined
by the Internal Radius. The Internal Arc may be comprised of multiple arc segments
of different curvatures, defined by different Internal Radii.
[0062] Internal Radius: as used herein refers to the radius of the circle that defines the
internal edge or a portion of the internal edge of a Full Ring or Ring Segment. The
Internal Radius determines the curvature of the Internal Arc.
[0063] Lens: refers to any ophthalmic device that resides in or on the eye. These devices
can provide optical correction or may be cosmetic. For example, the term lens can
refer to a contact lens, intraocular lens, overlay lens, ocular insert, optical insert
or other similar device through which vision is corrected or modified, or through
which eye physiology is cosmetically enhanced (e.g. iris color) without impeding vision.
The preferred lenses are soft contact lenses are made from silicone elastomers or
hydrogels, which include but are not limited to silicone hydrogels, and fluorohydrogels.
[0064] Mold: refers to a rigid or semi-rigid object that may be used to form lenses from
uncured formulations. Some preferred molds include two mold parts forming a front
curve mold part and a back curve mold part.
[0065] Power: as used herein refers to work done or energy transferred per unit of time.
[0066] Ring Segment: as used herein refers to one Die which may be combined with other Die
to construct a Full Ring. As used in this description, a Ring Segment is generally
flat and is formed in an arcuate shape.
[0067] Stacked: as used herein means to place at least two component layers in proximity
to each other such that at least a portion of one surface of one of the layers contacts
a first surface of a second layer. A film, whether for adhesion or other functions
may reside between the two layers that are in contact with each other through said
film.
[0068] Substrate insert: as used herein refers to a formable or rigid substrate capable
of supporting an Energy Source within an ophthalmic lens. In some examples, the Substrate
insert also supports one or more components.
[0069] Wafer: as used herein refers to a thin slice of semiconductor material, such as silicon
crystal, used in the fabrication of integrated circuits and other microdevices. The
wafer serves as the substrate for microelectronic devices built in and over the wafer
and undergoes many microfabrication process steps.
Apparatus
[0070] Referring now to Fig. 1, demonstrated as item 100 is a three dimensional representation
of a fully formed ophthalmic lens using a stacked layer substrate insert formed as
a functionalized layer insert 110. The representation shows a partial cut out from
the ophthalmic lens to realize the different layers present inside the device. A body
material 120 is shown in cross section of the encapsulating layers of the substrate
insert. The body material 120 is contained fully within and extends around the entire
circumference of the ophthalmic lens. It may be clear to one skilled in the arts that
the actual functionalize layer insert 110 may comprise a full annular ring or other
shapes that still may reside within the constraints of the size of a typical ophthalmic
lens.
[0071] Layers 130, 131 and 132 illustrate three of numerous layers that may be found in
a functionalized layer insert 110. A single layer may include one or more of: active
and passive components and portions with structural, electrical or physical properties
conducive to a particular purpose.
[0072] A layer 130 may include an energization source, such as, for example, one or more
of: a battery, a capacitor and a receiver within the layer 130. Item 131 then, in
a non limiting exemplary sense, may comprise microcircuitry in a layer that detects
actuation signals for an active lens insert 140. A power regulation layer 132, may
be included that is capable of receiving power from external sources, charging the
battery layer 130 and controlling the use of battery power from layer 130 when the
lens is not in a charging environment. The power regulation layer 132 may also control
signals to an exemplary active lens insert 140 in the center annular cutout of the
functionalized layer insert 110.
[0073] In general, a functionalized layer insert 110 is embodied within an ophthalmic lens
via automation which places an energy source a desired location relative to a mold
part used to fashion the lens.
[0074] The size, shape, and stacking structure of the die that may be used to form layers
such as 130, 131 and 132 in a functionalized layer insert 110 is influenced by several
factors, as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4.
[0075] Fig. 2 illustrates the effect of lens shape on the design of a functionalized layer
insert. The base curve, diameter, and thickness of an ophthalmic lens define a maximum
size and shape of an included functionalized layer insert. Fig. 2 shows, as one example,
the impact of different base curves. Item 200A depicts a cross sectional view of a
portion of an ophthalmic lens 205A with more curvature than the ophthalmic lens 205B,
depicted in item 200B, which is flatter. The flatter lens 205B can accommodate a functionalized
layer insert 201 B of greater width 202B, as compared to the narrower width 202A of
a functionalized layer insert 201 A that fits within lens 205A having greater base
curvature. It should be apparent that a lens of smaller diameter (203A indicates a
lens diameter) would limit the width of a functionalized layer insert while a lens
with larger diameter would accommodate a wider functionalized layer insert. Likewise,
a lens of less thickness (204A indicates a lens thickness) would limit the number
of layers in a functionalized layer insert as well as the width of a functionalized
layer insert, while a thicker lens might support more layers and layers of greater
width.
[0076] Fig. 3 illustrates the effect of encapsulation parameters on the design of a functionalized
layer insert. Encapsulation parameters, such as, by way of non-limiting example, maintaining
a minimum 100 micron thickness between the edge of a die and the outer edge of a lens,
affect the size and shape of a functionalized layer insert and therefore the size
and shape of individual layers. Item 300A depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion
of an ophthalmic lens 305A with a functionalized layer insert 301A and encapsulation
boundary 303A. The ophthalmic lens 305B depicted in item 300B includes a functionalized
layer insert 301B and a relatively wider encapsulation boundary 303B as compared to
boundary 303A which is narrower. It can be seen that the wider encapsulation boundary
303B necessitates that the functionalized layer insert 301B be narrower in width 302B
as compared to the functionalized layer insert 301A with width 302A.
[0077] Depicted in Fig. 4 is the effect of functional layer thickness on the design of a
functionalized layer insert. Item 400A represents a cross-sectional view of a portion
of an ophthalmic lens 405A with a functionalized layer insert 401A including three
layers with material, such as, for example, insulating layers, between the functional
layers. A functionalized layer insert may contain more or less than three layers.
The ophthalmic lens 405B depicted in item 400B includes a functionalized layer insert
401B with relatively thicker layers 402B as compared to the layers 402A in the functionalized
layer insert 401 A which are thinner. The lens curvature in these two examples allows
the width of the bottom layers 402A and 402B to remain the same. However, it can be
seen that the increased height of the functionalized layer insert 401 B as compared
to 401 A, combined with the lens curvature, causes the top layer 402A to be limited
in width. The thickness of each functional layer impacts other dimensions, such as
functional layer width, that will fit within the required lens and encapsulation parameters.
Thicker layers within the functionalized layer insert will be more restricted in other
dimensions, such as width, in order to remain within the confines of the lens geometry.
Ring Segment Design
[0078] In the examples depicted herein, each layer within a functionalized layer insert
is in the shape of a ring, either formed of an intact ring-shaped die or of multiple
ring segments. Rings or ring segments are manufactured on wafers, from which they
are subsequently cut. Ring segments allow significantly more efficient use of wafer
material than full rings, as will be demonstrated in Figs. 5 -8. Therefore, the decision
to produce an intact ring versus a ring composed of multiple ring segments may be
based, in part, on the costs of the die substrate and manufacturing processes. Other
factors in the decision between intact rings versus multiple ring segments include
the functions to be performed on a specific layer within the functionalized layer
insert and the advantage of structural stability provided when one or more intact
rings are included in a functionalized layer insert. One example of a function that
may require a full ring is a radio frequency antennae positioned around the full circumference
of a die. Another example is an interconnect layer used to route signals between ring
segments below it and ring segments above it, wherein the connections need to span
different locations around the circumference of the functionalized layer insert.
[0079] Factors contributing to die cost may include, by way of non-limiting example, the
cost of the substrate material and the number of steps, and therefore the time cost,
associated with the fabrication process. Die created on an inexpensive substrate,
such as, for example, ceramic or Kapton, with relatively minimal fabrication steps
may be produced in a less efficient layout such as full rings. Full rings result in
significant waste of wafer material, but low cost material and fabrication may make
production of full rings feasible for some layers within a functionalized layer insert.
Alternatively, die created on an expensive substrate, such as, for example, silicon,
with relatively more complex fabrication effort including many steps and details,
may be architected in multiple ring segments such that the number of rings created
from a single wafer is optimized. Figs. 5-8 will show that specific ring segment designs
significantly improve the nesting of rings, and therefore the ability to efficiently
arrange ring segments on a wafer for optimal wafer utilization.
[0080] Other factors are considered when optimizing the layout of die, or ring segments,
on wafers. For example, photo etching of die, if necessary as part of the fabrication
method, is a process typically performed in rectangular blocks on a wafer. When photo
etching is required, a linear layout of ring segments is more efficient than a radial
layout. Dicing street width, the non-functional space between die on a wafer, affects
optimization and layout. Dicing street width may be determined, for example, by the
specific technology or tools used to cut the die from the wafer at the end of the
manufacturing process. Edge offset is another parameter affecting die layout. Edge
offset is the minimum distance between the edge of a die and the outer edge of a wafer.
[0081] When designing the layout of ring segments on a wafer, the shape of each individual
ring segment significantly impacts optimization of wafer utilization. Ring segment
design may be grouped into three general categories: no arc matching (Fig. 5), full
arc matching (Fig. 6), and partial arc matching (Fig. 7). Different ring segment designs
may be combined within one layer of a functionalized layer insert, as well as in different
layers of a functionalized layer insert.
[0082] Referring now to Fig. 5, depicted is an example of ring segments designed with no
arc matching, showing one-quarter ring segments created with different interior and
exterior radii. The external radius defined by circle 501 is greater than the internal
radius defined by circle 502, and therefore external arc 503 has less curvature than
internal arc 504. Ring segment 505 therefore has different internal and external radii.
Item 506 demonstrates that ring segments 505 do not nest efficiently, with significant
gaps between the individual die, which results in waste when producing die on a wafer.
Item 507 reveals that four ring segments 505 may be combined to produce a full ring
with a circular interior edge.
[0083] Referring now to Fig. 6, an example of full arc matching is shown including one-quarter
ring segments created with identical interior and exterior radii. The external radius
defined by circle 601 is identical to the internal radius defined by circle 602, which
is offset rather than reduced in size to define the shape of ring segment 605. Therefore
external arc 603 and internal arc 604 have identical curvature. It is shown in item
606 that ring segments 605 can be precisely nested, leaving only a small dicing street
width required for cutting the individual die 605 from the wafer. This design significantly
minimizes waste when producing die on a wafer. A full ring composed of four ring segments
605 is depicted in item 607. Since the full arc matching design results in die 605
that are slightly tapered on the ends, the interior edge of the resulting ring in
item 607 is not perfectly circular.
[0084] Referring now to Fig. 7, a partial arc matching design is depicted with one-quarter
ring segments created with a combination of three curvatures. Item 708 provides a
close up view of the elements defining the shape of ring segment 705. In item 708,
the outline has been removed from ring segment 705 so that the defining shapes may
be more clearly seen. The curvature of external arc 703 is determined by the radius
of circle 701. Internal arc 704 is comprised of two different curvatures. Circle 702,
denoted with a dashed line, has a smaller radius than circle 701 and defines the center
portion 704A of the internal arc 704. Circle 709, denoted with an alternating dash-dot
line, has a radius identical to circle 701. Circle 709 is positioned such that it
intersects circle 702 towards the ends of ring segment 705. Circle 709 therefore defines
the curvature of the two end portions 704B of the internal arc 704. This hybrid design
for internal arc 704 maximizes the active area available on the die while including
partial arc matching near the ends of ring segment 705 to improve nesting and therefore
efficiency of die layout on a wafer. Item 706 shows the nesting of ring segments 705,
wherein the identical radii of circles 701 and 709 in the design of ring segments
705 provide for close nesting alignment at the ends of the die. Item 707 shows a full
ring composed of four ring segments 705. The design of die 705 includes tapered ends,
resulting in a ring with an interior edge which is not perfectly circular, shown in
item 707.
[0085] Referring now to Fig. 8, a comparison of the ring segments described in Figs. 5-7
is shown. Item 801 shows the nesting of ring segments 505 created with no arc matching.
Item 802, likewise depicts nesting of full arc-matched ring segments 605, and item
803, partial arc-matched ring segments 705. Item 802 clearly shows optimal nesting
of full arc-matched ring segments 605. It is also evident from item 803 that partial
arc-matched ring segments 705 nest more efficiently than ring segments 505 with no
arc matching.
[0086] Item 804 compares the area of fully arc-matched ring segment 605 with ring segment
505, designed with no arc matching. When 605 is overlaid upon 505, it can be seen
that 605 has tapered ends, reducing the surface area available on the fully arc-matched
die 605. Although full arc matching supports the most efficient layout of ring segments
on a wafer, it does so at the cost of less surface area on each ring segment.
[0087] Item 805 similarly compares the area of partially arc-matched ring segment 705 with
ring segment 505, designed with no arc matching. When 705 is overlaid upon 505, it
is again evident that 705 has tapered ends, but less than seen in the comparison of
item 804. The surface area available on the partially arc-matched ring segment 705
is somewhat reduced as compared to ring segment 505 with no arc matching.
[0088] Finally, item 806 compares fully arc-matched ring segment 605 with partially arc-matched
ring segment 705. Although both have tapered ends, when 605 is overlaid upon 705 it
is shown that partially arc-matched ring segment 705 has a slightly greater surface
area. Partial arc matching is a hybrid solution which preserves more surface area
on a ring segment while adjusting the curvature near the ends of the ring segment
for improved nesting in the layout of ring segments on a wafer. Partial arc matching
may be used, by way of non-limiting example, to create battery die where the active
area for the battery is not sacrificed but the ring segment ends are slightly narrowed,
improving manufacturing efficiency without impacting functionality.
[0089] Various designs are described for rings and ring segments that make up functionalized
layers in a functional layer insert, for incorporation into an ophthalmic lens. The
layer insert which may include substrate layers that are intact full rings, segmented
rings or a combination of both. Segmented rings may include Arc-Matched and Non Arc-Matched
arcuate segments.
Conclusion
[0090] The disclosure above, and the claims below, provides various designs for rings and
ring segments that make up the functionalized layers in a functional layer insert,
for incorporation into an ophthalmic lens.
1. An active lens insert for an ophthalmic lens comprising:
arcuate shape ring segments assembled into substrate layers with one or both of electrical
and logical functionality; wherein the size, shape and stacking structure of each
of the annular shaped substrate layers is based on the thickness around an optical
zone of the ophthalmic lens;
electrical interconnections between substrate layers; and
wherein the active lens insert is encapsulated with one or more materials for bonding
within the body material of a molded ophthalmic lens.
2. The active lens insert of Claim 1, wherein the substrate functional layers are adhered
to insulating layers forming a stacked feature.
3. The active lens insert of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the arcuate shaped ring segments are
cut from a wafer.
4. The active lens insert of Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein one or more of the arcuate shaped
ring segment(s) has one or both tapered ends.
5. The active lens insert of any preceding claim, wherein the arcuate ring segments comprise
arc matched sections.
6. The active lens insert of any preceding claim, wherein two or more arcuate ring segments
can form a full ring.
7. The active lens insert of any preceding claim, wherein the design of the arcuate ring
segments is based on factors comprising wafer optimization.
8. The active lens insert of Claim 7, wherein the design of the arcuate ring segments
is further based on surface area maximization of the ring within the active lens insert.
9. The active lens insert of Claim 1, wherein the arcuate ring segments are non-arc matched
segments.
10. The active lens insert of Claim 1, wherein the arcuate ring segments comprise both
arc matched segments and non-arc matched segments.
11. The active lens insert of any preceding claim, wherein the substrate layers include
both said assembled ring substrate layers from the arcuate shape ring segments and
intact full ring segments.
12. The active lens insert of Claim 11, wherein the intact full ring substrate layer comprises
a metallic layer which functions as an antenna.
13. The active lens insert of any preceding claim, wherein the size, shape and stacking
structure of each of the annular shaped substrate layers is further based on the base
curve of an ophthalmic lens.
14. The active lens insert of any preceding claim, wherein the size, shape and stacking
structure of each of the annular shaped substrate layers is further influenced by
the diameter of an ophthalmic lens.
15. The active lens insert of any preceding claim, wherein the size, shape and stacking
structure of each of the annular shaped substrate layers is further influenced by
encapsulation parameters of the active lens insert.
16. The active lens insert of any preceding claim, wherein the substrate layers comprise
silicon based wafer layers.
17. The active lens insert of one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein the substrate layers comprise
ceramic based wafer layers.
18. The active lens insert of one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein the substrate layers comprise
Kapton based wafer layers.
19. A method of forming an active lens insert for an ophthalmic lens, the method comprising:
forming arcuate shape ring segments;
assembling said arcuate shape ring segments into ring substrate layers with one or
both of electrical and logical functionality; wherein the size, shape and stacking
structure of each of the annular shaped substrate layers is based on the thickness
around an optical zone of the ophthalmic lens;
forming electrical interconnections between substrate layers; and
encapsulating the active lens insert with one or more materials for bonding within
the body material of a molded ophthalmic lens.